Ski Safety with Kids: 4 Essentials Every Parent Needs to Teach Before Hitting the Slopes

Skiing with little ones can be both thrilling and slightly nerve-racking. There’s nothing quite like seeing your children gain confidence on the snow, but it also comes with that natural parental instinct to keep them safe. Before every ski trip, we make sure to talk to our boys about mountain safety. It’s not a long or serious chat, just a simple reminder that being safe helps everyone have more fun.

The key is keeping it light and memorable. When the lessons make sense to them and are delivered with a bit of humour, they’re far more likely to remember them once we’re out on the slopes. Over time, we’ve narrowed it down to four simple rules that have made a real difference in how confidently and safely the boys ski.

1. Stay in control

This is always our first rule. It’s fine to go fast as long as you’re in control. For kids, that means knowing how to turn, stop quickly and avoid obstacles or other people. It’s not about limiting their fun, it’s about teaching them to be aware of what’s happening around them. When they understand that control equals confidence, they feel proud of their progress and learn to manage their speed sensibly.

It also aligns with the FIS Code of Conduct, which highlights that skiers and snowboarders must always adapt their speed and manner of skiing to the terrain, weather and their own ability. Teaching children this early helps them develop not just good habits, but respect for others on the mountain too.

2. Look out for others

This one makes the boys laugh every time because we originally called it “look out for idiots”, which helped it stick in their minds. What it really means is always look up the slope before setting off again. There might be someone coming down quickly or completely out of control (where the saying came from!) and you don’t want to move right into their path.

The FIS rules remind us that the skier lower down the slope has right of way, and it’s your job to avoid them. It teaches kids that safety isn’t just about watching out for others, it’s also about being aware of their own actions and how they affect people around them.

3. Be safe on the lifts

Chair lifts can be one of the most nerve-racking parts of skiing with young children. Watching their little legs dangle over the snow never stops making my heart race. Before we get on, we always go over a few key points: sit all the way back with the back on your knees in contact with the seat and sit sensibly until it’s time to get off. No leaning right forwards or backwards, no twisting around to talk, swinging your skis (yes I've unclipped one of my own skis when i was younger, swinging my ski accidentally into the foot bar and dropping it below) and no lifting that bar up too early.

We usually play - spot the goodies under the chairlift that other people have dropped. Turning it in to a game, helps to keep them occupied and stops them messing around . It’s also a good time to remind them about mountain awareness - that they should never stop in the middle of the piste or where visibility is limited, and to keep to the side if walking up or down on foot.

4. Give people space

This is one of the harder lessons for children to learn because it requires awareness of others, not just themselves. When they’re having fun making big turns or racing down, they don’t always realise how close they’re getting to other skiers. We remind them to look uphill before crossing the piste and to give plenty of space when overtaking.

The FIS Code calls this “respect for others” - something every skier and snowboarder is responsible for. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference, helping everyone stay safe and enjoy their time on the mountain.

Extra safety tips for families in snowy or high-altitude areas

While these four lessons are our foundation, it’s also important to think about the wider mountain environment. Families should always be aware of:

• Altitude sickness: Take it slow on arrival, stay hydrated and allow children’s bodies time to adjust before tackling a full day on the slopes.

• Cold and wind exposure: Layer clothing properly with thermal bases, waterproof outers, and good gloves or mittens. Face protection and frequent warm-up breaks make all the difference to keeping kids happy.

• Avalanche risk: Always respect piste signs and closed runs. Off-piste is not for children or beginners - those boundaries exist for safety.

• If you get lost - Write your contact details on some gaffer tape and stick it inside your kids ski jackets so they can show an adult if they get lost.

  
  

If you ever come across an accident, the FIS Code reminds all skiers they have a duty to assist and call for help. Cross your skis in the snow above the scene and dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Building confidence through awareness

These four simple lessons have become part of our skiing routine. They help the boys feel capable and independent while also learning respect for the people and environment around them. It’s amazing how much calmer and more enjoyable skiing becomes when they understand how to stay safe.

If you’re planning a family ski trip this season, it’s worth spending a few minutes talking through these basics before you go. It makes the experience smoother, safer and far more enjoyable for everyone on the mountain.